In Spain, global sea and land logistics major Maersk, Renfe Mercancías, the freight division of Iberian gauge operator Renfe Group, and multi-energy major Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A.U. (Cepsa), a Mubadala Group company will carry out the first test in Spain with second-generation biofuels in the railway sector.
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The aim is to decarbonize the rail corridor linking Algeciras and Madrid with the use of renewable diesel on the non-electrified segment between Algeciras-Cordoba and the use of renewable electric energy on the segment to the capital.
As the process of electrification of the rail network progresses, it is key for Renfe Mercancías to explore possible alternatives to the use of fossil fuels in trains running on non-electrified lines, which currently represent approximately 35% of Spanish railways. In this way, we will not only contribute to the overall goal of reducing emissions in the transportation sector but also give our diesel locomotives a second life, thanks to the development of new green fuels, said Joaquín del Moral, General Manager of Renfe Mercancías,
Second-generation biofuels can be used in locomotives without engine modifications and offer a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional fuels.
Specifically, during the entire life cycle, from production to use, these emissions can be reduced by up to 90 percent compared to traditional fuels.
At Cepsa, we want to be a driver of change and promote sustainability and decarbonization for our customers in all types of transport: rail, sea, air, and road. This agreement with leading companies such as Maersk and Renfe expands our collaborative ecosystem by bringing together synergies to drive the energy transition and the fight against climate change, said Carlos Giner, Chief Commercial Officer of Cepsa’s Commercial & Clean Energies.
Three-month pilot project
The project will begin in early July and will last for three months. Cepsa will supply 160 tonnes of second-generation biofuel, produced at its La Rábida Energy Park (Huelva) from used cooking oils to cover a total of five weekly round trips.
Renewable diesel will replace conventional diesel in the Renfe locomotives that Maersk uses to transport its customers’ goods from Algeciras to Cordoba.
In Cordoba, they will continue the route to Madrid on electric trains powered by renewable energy.
This renewable diesel will cover almost 40 000 kilometers and avoid the emission of more than 600 tonnes of GHGs.
Looking at the actual effects of climate change in many countries, the importance of decarbonizing logistics cannot be understated. Maersk is considering decarbonized transport solutions not only as a crucial differentiator for our customers but also as a commitment to society. This is why we are working hard to develop solutions with very low GHG emissions across all areas: in our ocean vessels, for hinterland transport as well as in warehousing and distribution, said Emilio de la Cruz, Managing Director of Maersk’s Southwest Europe and Maghreb Area.
The implementation of this pilot test will make it possible to extract technical, environmental, and economic data to analyze the feasibility of using green fuels as an alternative to conventional diesel in rail transport on non-electrified lines, with the aim of offering this solution to other Maersk customers.
Our ambition at Maersk is to be net-zero across our entire business by 2040 and we have ambitious short-term goals in place for 2030. Every step counts. Hence, this innovative rail project in Spain marks a very important milestone in a much bigger plan for achieving our net-zero target, ended Emilio de la Cruz.
